AAMA 511-08 – Forensic water leak detection

In essence, the whole purpose of diagnostic testing is to recreate leaks which are known to occur in specific locations. The biggest difference between the AAMA 511-08 and the 502-503 is that these tests are performed on newly installed fenestration products or quality assurance testing. Whereas the AAMA 511-08 Forensic water intrusion testing is performed on existing window, door or skylight products.

However, the AAMA 511-08 is much more than Forensic Water intrusion and leak detection. For example, the guideline is built around the ASTM 2128 by adding additional steps which can be used to help identify water intrusion into Los Angeles buildings. Simply searching “Forensic water intrusion inspections in Los Angeles” isn’t enough. Having a company experienced in water intrusion is essential in determining the cause of the infiltration. Because of this, not just anyone will do. You need a water intrusion expert.

Furthermore, the AAMA guide allows for the assistance in choosing the appropriate adaptations to the already existing standards in order to apply them to field testing and investigations.

The AAMA 511-08 when added to the ASTM E2128 provides supplemental assistance. Additionally, it outlines required actions or necessary steps to window leak or product investigation. In other words, locating window leaks from product leaks. Forensic Water intrusion is just as much an art as it is a science.

Forensic Water intrusion

Window Leak Detection

According to Ken Brenden, AAMA technical standards manager… “The newly created document establishes the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports.” Which is the AAMA 511-08. It’s built on the already seven steps of forensic analysis established in the ASTM 2128, the Standard Guide for evaluating water leaking through stucco or building walls.

In fact, the main objective of Forensic water leak detection is to identify leak paths through simulation of previous weather events which are known to have produced leakage.

As previously mentioned, the AAMA 511-08 adds additional steps to help aid in the investigative process. More specifically, as stated in the guideline, these steps include;

3.2.1 Obtain if possible, architectural and structural drawings which will explain how the buildings envelope was intended to have been constructed

3.2.3 Review previous test or other inspection reports such as the 502 or 503 for example

3.2.4 Request and view fenestration shop drawings which will show details of the fenestration assemblies

3.2.5 Interview Building Staff who may have intimate knowledge of current and or previous leaks and water intrusion patterns

3.2.6 Look for water intrusion patterns in areas of the suspected water intrusion as well as on adjacent wall surfaces for the interior and exterior of the building.

Water leak Detection and Post Testing

Analyze the testing performed and its outcome

Report on findings derived from window or wall leak testing

The primary goal is Forensic Water intrusion

Above all, the primary goal of the AAMA 511-08 Forensic water leak detection is to recreate leaks which occurs in buildings, while in use. In a nutshell, this is accomplished though research and the simulation of similar weather events though to have contributed to the water intrusion.

First thing to remember is that discovery is pivotal in the process of understanding the how, when, where and why leaks occur in building window products. Not only does the AAMA 511-08 Forensic water leak detection follow the ASTM 2128. Because of its thoroughness, it adds seven preparatory steps to be taken prior to the application of water as well as the post test measures.

Above all, all of the discovery steps are designed to develop a hypothesis for sourcing the window leaks or moisture intrusion.

For one thing, historical weather data must be obtained in order to simulate actual weather events. Indeed, this is accomplished by calculating the differential or negative air pressures which the existing window, door or skylight products may have experienced during real rain and wind occurrences. Afterwhich, these figures (calculated pressures) determines the test pressure used during the recreation testing period.

A break-down of the procedural steps in performing the 511-08 here in Los Angeles

Initially, when approaching an AAMA 511-08 water intrusion analysis, the steps taken in the beginning will more or less set the tone for the entire test. The more energy you place into the research and interrogatory portion of the test the more effective and thus, the better test results will be.

Review of project documents

Shop drawings

Fenestration installation instructions

Architectural Drawings

Evaluation of the component

Flashings

Sealants

Weep holes

Service history

Maintenance records

Interview personnel

Leak history research

Forensic Water intrusion Inspection

Observe interior for leak patterns

Exterior observations for leak patterns

Looking for product deficiency

Attempt to develop a hypothesis for possible source of water intrusion

Reporting

The reports should document test performed as well as all percent information regarding results and how they were discovered

Sill Damaged Test is still Forensic Water intrusion

Whenever a window or wall leak is thought to be directly related to a defective window product, the optional AAMA 511 sill damaged test can be performed. Although an easy test, it still must demand the same respect as does AAMA 511-08 Forensic water penetration testing or any other AAMA or ASTM fenestration test performed. For the most part, the test goes something like this;

At the base of the existing window, door or skylight product, the sill or receptor is filled with water for 15 minutes

All of the weep holes within this pan are blocked

A dam is installed at the exterior side to hold the required depth of water within the pan

The water heigh is determined by the amount of pressure the particular fenestration product is rated for

For example: If one inch of water is equal to 5.20 psf, and the fenestration product is rated for 6.5 psf, the water height is approximately 1.25″. Most cases, however, the fenestration product is tested at 2/3 of its rated design pressure, which is the pressure specified in the field for testing.

During the sill dam test

Once the necessary water depth is achieved, we then monitor the specimen for any water leakage. In most cases, the interior drywall is removed to allow for a visual evaluation. There are other way to detect water intrusion within the ASTM 2128 however.

Moreover, it’s worth noting that the AAMA 511-08 sill dam test subjects the existing window, door or skylight product to a greater water exposure than whats considered to be a normal weather event. Because of this, the AAMA 511-08 shouldn’t be the only measure by which you determine whether or not the fenestration product is defective.

Summary

Title

AAMA 511-08 Forensic Water intrusion Analysis| Los Angeles

Description

The AAMA 511-08 is much more than simply just testing. For example, the guideline is built around the ASTM 2128 by adding additional steps which can be used to help identify water intrusion into Los Angeles buildings.